Multi-speed planetary transmission

ABSTRACT

A multi-speed transmission including a plurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve at least nine forward speed ratios is disclosed. The plurality of planetary gearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The plurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and a number of brakes. The multi-speed transmission may have four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutches and two brakes.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent Ser. No.15/278,716, filed Sep. 28, 2016, titled MULTI-SPEED PLANETARYTRANSMISSION, the entire disclosure of which is expressly incorporatedby reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a multi-speed transmission and inparticular to a multi-speed transmission including a plurality ofplanetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers to achieve atleast nine forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Multi-speed transmissions use a plurality of planetary gearsets,selective couplers, interconnectors, and additional elements to achievea plurality of forward and reverse speed ratios. Exemplary multi-speedtransmissions are disclosed in US Published Patent Application No.2016/0047440, Ser. No. 14/457,592, titled MULTI-SPEED TRANSMISSION,filed Aug. 12, 2014, the entire disclosure of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a multi-speed transmission including aplurality of planetary gearsets and a plurality of selective couplers toachieve at least nine forward speed ratios. The plurality of planetarygearsets may include a first planetary gearset, a second planetarygearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. Theplurality of selective couplers may include a number of clutches and anumber of brakes. In one example, the present disclosure provides amulti-speed transmission having four planetary gearsets and sixselective couplers. The six selective couplers may include four clutchesand two brakes. In one example a gearset component of one of theplurality of planetary gearsets is grounded to at least one stationarymember.

In some instances throughout this disclosure and in the claims, numericterminology, such as first, second, third, and fourth, is used inreference to various gearsets, gears, gearset components,interconnectors, selective couplers, and other components. Such use isnot intended to denote an ordering of the components. Rather, numericterminology is used to assist the reader in identifying the componentbeing referenced and should not be narrowly interpreted as providing aspecific order of components. For example, a first planetary gearsetidentified in the drawings may support any one of the plurality ofplanetary gearsets recited in the claims, including the first planetarygearset, the second planetary gearset, the third planetary gearset, andthe fourth planetary gearset, depending on the language of the claims.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, atransmission is provided. The transmission comprising at least onestationary member; an input member; a plurality of planetary gearsetsoperatively coupled to the input member; a plurality of selectivecouplers operatively coupled to the plurality of planetary gearsets,each of the plurality of selective couplers having an engagedconfiguration and a disengaged configuration; and an output memberoperatively coupled to the input member through the plurality ofplanetary gearsets. Each planetary gearset of the plurality of planetarygearsets includes a sun gear, a plurality of planet gears operativelycoupled to the sun gear, a planet carrier operatively coupled to theplurality of planet gears, and a ring gear operatively coupled to theplurality of planet gears. The plurality of planetary gearsets includesa first planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetarygearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. Each of the first planetarygearset, the second planetary gearset, the third planetary gearset, andthe fourth planetary gearset is a simple planetary gearset. The inputmember is fixedly coupled to the ring gear of the first planetarygearset. At least one of the sun gear, the planet carrier, and the ringgear of one of the second planetary gearset, the third planetarygearset, and the fourth planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to the atleast one stationary member.

According to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, atransmission is provided. The transmission comprising at least onestationary member; an input member rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsets operativelycoupled to the input member; and an output member operatively coupled tothe input member through the plurality of planetary gearsets androtatable relative to the at least one stationary member. Each of theplurality of planetary gearsets includes a first gearset component, asecond gearset component, and a third gearset component. The pluralityof planetary gearsets includes a first planetary gearset, a secondplanetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetarygearset. The third gearset component of the third planetary gearset isfixedly coupled to the at least one stationary member. The output memberis fixedly coupled to the third gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset. The transmission further comprising a firstinterconnector which fixedly couples the first gearset component of thefirst planetary gearset, the first gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset, and the first gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset together; a second interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the third planetary gearset tothe second gearset component of the fourth planetary gearset; and aplurality of selective couplers. The plurality of selective couplersincludes a first selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couplesthe third gearset component of the second planetary gearset to the atleast one stationary member; a second selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset to the at least one stationary member; a thirdselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset to the second gearset componentof the third planetary gearset and the second gearset component of thefourth planetary gearset; a fourth selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset to the second gearset component of the third planetarygearset and the second gearset component of the fourth planetarygearset; a fifth selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couplesthe second gearset component of the second planetary gearset to thefirst gearset component of the third planetary gearset; and a sixthselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the first planetary gearset to the third gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset.

According to yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure,a transmission is provided. The transmission comprising at least onestationary member; an input member rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsets operativelycoupled to the input member; and an output member operatively coupled tothe input member through the plurality of planetary gearsets androtatable relative to the at least one stationary member. Each of theplurality of planetary gearsets includes a first gearset component, asecond gearset component, and a third gearset component. The pluralityof planetary gearsets includes a first planetary gearset, a secondplanetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetarygearset. The third gearset component of the third planetary gearset isfixedly coupled to the at least one stationary member. The output memberis fixedly coupled to the third gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset. The transmission further comprising a firstinterconnector which fixedly couples the first gearset component of thefirst planetary gearset, the first gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset, and the first gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset together; a second interconnector which fixedlycouples the first gearset component of the third planetary gearset tothe second gearset component of the second planetary gearset; and aplurality of selective couplers. The plurality of selective couplersincludes a first selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couplesthe first gearset component of the third planetary gearset and thesecond gearset component of the second planetary gearset to the at leastone stationary member; a second selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the third gearset component of the second planetarygearset to the at least one stationary member; a third selective couplerwhich, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of thefourth planetary gearset to the third gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset; a fourth selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the second gearset component of the third planetarygearset to the second gearset component of the fourth planetary gearset;a fifth selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples thesecond gearset component of the first planetary gearset to the secondgearset component of the fourth planetary gearset; and a sixth selectivecoupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset to the third gearset componentof the second planetary gearset.

According to still another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a transmission is provided. The transmission comprising atleast one stationary member; an input member rotatable relative to theat least one stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsetsoperatively coupled to the input member; and an output memberoperatively coupled to the input member through the plurality ofplanetary gearsets and rotatable relative to the at least one stationarymember. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a firstgearset component, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent. The plurality of planetary gearsets includes a firstplanetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetarygearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The second gearset component ofthe second planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to the at least onestationary member. The output member is fixedly coupled to the thirdgearset component of the fourth planetary gearset. The transmissionfurther comprising a first interconnector which fixedly couples thethird gearset component of the second planetary gearset to the secondgearset component of the fourth planetary gearset; a secondinterconnector which fixedly couples the third gearset component of thethird planetary gearset to the first gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset; a third interconnector which fixedly couples thesecond gearset component of the first planetary gearset to the firstgearset component of the third planetary gearset; and a plurality ofselective couplers. The plurality of selective couplers includes a firstselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the first planetary gearset and the first gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset to the at least one stationarymember; a second selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couplesthe first gearset component of the first planetary gearset to the atleast one stationary member; a third selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the third gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset to the second gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset and the third gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset; a fourth selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the second gearset component of the third planetarygearset to the second gearset component of the fourth planetary gearsetand the third gearset component of the second planetary gearset; a fifthselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the first planetary gearset and the first gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset to one of the second gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset and the third gearset componentof the third planetary gearset; and a sixth selective coupler which,when engaged, fixedly couples the first gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset to the first gearset component of the second planetarygearset.

According to yet still another exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a transmission is provided. The transmission comprising atleast one stationary member; an input member rotatable relative to theat least one stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsetsoperatively coupled to the input member; and an output memberoperatively coupled to the input member through the plurality ofplanetary gearsets and rotatable relative to the at least one stationarymember. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a firstgearset component, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent. The plurality of planetary gearsets includes a firstplanetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetarygearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The second gearset component ofthe second planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to the at least onestationary member. The output member is fixedly coupled to the secondgearset component of the third planetary gearset. The transmissionfurther comprising a first interconnector which fixedly couples thefirst gearset component of the first planetary gearset to the firstgearset component of the second planetary gearset; a secondinterconnector which fixedly couples the first gearset component of thethird planetary gearset, the third gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset, and the first gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset together; and a plurality of selective couplers. Theplurality of selective couplers includes a first selective couplerwhich, when engaged, fixedly couples the first gearset component of thethird planetary gearset, the third gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset, and the first gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset to the at least one stationary member; a secondselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the first planetary gearset to the at least onestationary member; a third selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the third gearset component of the first planetarygearset to the second gearset component of the fourth planetary gearset;a fourth selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples thethird gearset component of the fourth planetary gearset to the secondgearset component of the third planetary gearset; a fifth selectivecoupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the second gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset to the second gearset componentof the fourth planetary gearset; and a sixth selective coupler which,when engaged, fixedly couples the third gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset to the second gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, atransmission is provided. The transmission comprising at least onestationary member; an input member rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsets operativelycoupled to the input member; and an output member operatively coupled tothe input member through the plurality of planetary gearsets androtatable relative to the at least one stationary member. Each of theplurality of planetary gearsets includes a first gearset component, asecond gearset component, and a third gearset component. The pluralityof planetary gearsets includes a first planetary gearset, a secondplanetary gearset, a third planetary gearset, and a fourth planetarygearset. The second gearset component of the second planetary gearset isfixedly coupled to the at least one stationary member. The output memberis fixedly coupled to the second gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset. The transmission further comprising a firstinterconnector which fixedly couples the first gearset component of thefirst planetary gearset to the first gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset; a second interconnector which fixedly couples thethird gearset component of the second planetary gearset to the firstgearset component of the fourth planetary gearset; a thirdinterconnector which fixedly couples the first gearset component of thethird planetary gearset to the third gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset; and a plurality of selective couplers. The pluralityof selective couplers includes a first selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the first gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset and the first gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset to the at least one stationary member; a secondselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the first planetary gearset to the at least onestationary member; a third selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the third gearset component of the first planetarygearset to the third gearset component of the third planetary gearset; afourth selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the secondgearset component of the third planetary gearset to the second gearsetcomponent of the fourth planetary gearset; a fifth selective couplerwhich, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gearset component of thesecond planetary gearset and the first gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset to one of the second gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset and the third gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset; and a sixth selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the second gearset component of the first planetarygearset to the third gearset component of the third planetary gearset.

According to still a further exemplary embodiment of the presentdisclosure, a transmission is provided. The transmission comprising atleast one stationary member; an input member rotatable relative to theat least one stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsetsoperatively coupled to the input member; and an output memberoperatively coupled to the input member through the plurality ofplanetary gearsets and rotatable relative to the at least one stationarymember. Each of the plurality of planetary gearsets includes a firstgearset component, a second gearset component, and a third gearsetcomponent. The plurality of planetary gearsets includes a firstplanetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetarygearset, and a fourth planetary gearset. The second gearset component ofthe second planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to the at least onestationary member. The output member is fixedly coupled to the thirdgearset component of the fourth planetary gearset. The transmissionfurther comprises a first interconnector which fixedly couples the thirdgearset component of the second planetary gearset, the second gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset, and the second gearsetcomponent of the fourth planetary gearset together; a secondinterconnector which fixedly couples the second gearset component of thefirst planetary gearset to the first gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset; and a plurality of selective couplers. The pluralityof selective couplers includes a first selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset and the first gearset component of the third planetarygearset to the at least one stationary member; a second selectivecoupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the first gearset componentof the first planetary gearset to the at least one stationary member; athird selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the thirdgearset component of the first planetary gearset to the third gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset, the second gearset componentof the third planetary gearset, and the second gearset component of thefourth planetary gearset; a fourth selective coupler which, whenengaged, fixedly couples the second gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset and the first gearset component of the third planetarygearset to the first gearset component of the fourth planetary gearset;a fifth selective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the firstgearset component of the second planetary gearset to the first gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset; and a sixth selective couplerwhich, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gearset component of thethird planetary gearset to the first gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of thisdisclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparentand will be better understood by reference to the following descriptionof exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary multi-speed transmissionincluding four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers;

FIG. 2 is a truth table illustrating the selective engagement of the sixselective couplers of FIG. 1 to provide ten forward gear or speed ratiosand a reverse gear or speed ratio of the multi-speed transmission ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of another exemplary multi-speedtransmission including four planetary gearsets and six selectivecouplers;

FIG. 4 is a truth table illustrating the selective engagement of the sixselective couplers of FIG. 3 to provide nine forward gear or speedratios and a reverse gear or speed ratio of the multi-speed transmissionof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary multi-speed transmissionincluding four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers;

FIG. 6 is a truth table illustrating the selective engagement of the sixselective couplers of FIG. 5 to provide ten forward gear or speed ratiosand a reverse gear or speed ratio of the multi-speed transmission ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of another exemplary multi-speedtransmission including four planetary gearsets and six selectivecouplers;

FIG. 8 is a truth table illustrating the selective engagement of the sixselective couplers of FIG. 7 to provide ten forward gear or speed ratiosand a reverse gear or speed ratio of the multi-speed transmission ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic view of an exemplary multi-speed transmissionincluding four planetary gearsets and six selective couplers;

FIG. 10 is a truth table illustrating the selective engagement of thesix selective couplers of FIG. 9 to provide ten forward gear or speedratios and a reverse gear or speed ratio of the multi-speed transmissionof FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic view of another exemplary multi-speedtransmission including four planetary gearsets and six selectivecouplers; and

FIG. 12 is a truth table illustrating the selective engagement of thesix selective couplers of FIG. 11 to provide ten forward gear or speedratios and a reverse gear or speed ratio of the multi-speed transmissionof FIG. 11.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention and suchexemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of theinvention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of thepresent disclosure, reference is now made to the embodiments illustratedin the drawings, which are described below. The embodiments disclosedbelow are not intended to be exhaustive or limit the present disclosureto the precise form disclosed in the following detailed description.Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilledin the art may utilize their teachings. Therefore, no limitation of thescope of the present disclosure is thereby intended. Correspondingreference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the severalviews.

In the disclosed transmission embodiments, selective couplers aredisclosed. A selective coupler is a device which may be actuated tofixedly couple two or more components together. A selective couplerfixedly couples two or more components to rotate together as a unit whenthe selective coupler is in an engaged configuration. Further, the twoor more components may be rotatable relative to each other when theselective coupler is in a disengaged configuration. The terms “couples”,“coupled”, “coupler” and variations thereof are used to include botharrangements wherein the two or more components are in direct physicalcontact and arrangements wherein the two or more components are not indirect contact with each other (e.g., the components are “coupled” viaat least a third component), but yet still cooperate or interact witheach other.

A first exemplary selective coupler is a clutch. A clutch couples two ormore rotating components to one another so that the two or more rotatingcomponents rotate together as a unit in an engaged configuration andpermits relative rotation between the two or more rotating components inthe disengaged position. Exemplary clutches may be shiftablefriction-locked multi-disk clutches, shiftable form-locking claw orconical clutches, wet clutches, or any other known form of a clutch.

A second exemplary selective coupler is a brake. A brake couples one ormore rotatable components to a stationary component to hold the one ormore rotatable components stationary relative to the stationarycomponent in the engaged configuration and permits rotation of the oneor more components relative to the stationary component in thedisengaged configuration. Exemplary brakes may be configured asshiftable-friction-locked disk brakes, shiftable friction-locked bandbrakes, shiftable form-locking claw or conical brakes, or any otherknown form of a brake.

Selective couplers may be actively controlled devices or passivedevices. Exemplary actively controlled devices include hydraulicallyactuated clutch or brake elements and electrically actuated clutch orbrake elements. Additional details regarding systems and methods forcontrolling selective couplers are disclosed in the above-incorporatedUS Published Patent Application No. 2016/0047440.

In addition to coupling through selective couplers, various componentsof the disclosed transmission embodiments may be fixedly coupledtogether continuously throughout the operation of the disclosedtransmissions. Components may be fixedly coupled together eitherpermanently or removably. Components may be fixedly coupled togetherthrough spline connections, press fitting, fasteners, welding, machinedor formed functional portions of a unitary piece, or other suitablemethods of connecting components.

The disclosed transmission embodiments include a plurality of planetarygearsets. Each planetary gearset includes at least four components: asun gear; a ring gear; a plurality of planet gears; and a carrier thatis rotatably coupled to and carries the planet gears. In the case of asimple planetary gearset, the teeth of the sun gear are intermeshed withthe teeth of the planet gears which are in turn intermeshed with theteeth of the ring gear. Each of these components may also be referred toas a gearset component. It will be apparent to one of skill in the artthat some planetary gearsets may include further components than thoseexplicitly identified. For example, one or more of the planetarygearsets may include two sets of planet gears. A first set of planetgears may intermesh with the sun gear while the second set of planetgears intermesh with the first set of planet gears and the ring gear.Both sets of planet gears are carried by the planet carrier.

One or more rotating components, such as shafts, drums, and othercomponents, may be collectively referred to as an interconnector whenthe one or more components are fixedly coupled together. Interconnectorsmay further be fixedly coupled to one or more gearset components and/orone or more selective couplers.

An input member of the disclosed transmission embodiments is rotated bya prime mover. Exemplary prime movers include internal combustionengines, electric motors, hybrid power systems, and other suitable powersystems. In one embodiment, the prime mover indirectly rotates the inputmember through a clutch and/or a torque converter. An output member ofthe disclosed transmission embodiments provides rotational power to oneor more working components. Exemplary working components include one ormore drive wheels of a motor vehicle, a power take-off shaft, and othersuitable devices. The output member is rotated based on theinterconnections of the gearset components and the selective couplers ofthe transmission. By changing the interconnections of the gearsetcomponents and the selective couplers, a rotation speed of the outputmember may be varied from a rotation speed of the input member.

The disclosed transmission embodiments are capable of transferringtorque from the input member to the output member and rotating theoutput member in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios relative tothe input member, illustratively ten forward gear or speed ratios insome embodiments, and one reverse gear or speed ratio wherein therotation direction of the output member is reversed relative to itsrotation direction for the at least nine forward ratios. Exemplary gearratios that may be obtained using the embodiments of the presentdisclosure are disclosed herein. Of course, other gear ratios areachievable depending on the characteristics of the gearsets utilized.Exemplary characteristics include respective gear diameters, the numberof gear teeth, and the configurations of the various gears.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission100. Multi-speed transmission 100 includes an input member 102 and anoutput member 104. Each of input member 102 and output member 104 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 106. An exemplaryinput member 102 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 104 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 106 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 100. The housing may include severalcomponents coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 100 includes a plurality of planetary gearsets,illustratively a first planetary gearset 108, a second planetary gearset110, a third planetary gearset 112, and a fourth planetary gearset 114.In one embodiment, additional planetary gearsets may be included.Further, although first planetary gearset 108, second planetary gearset110, third planetary gearset 112, and fourth planetary gearset 114 areillustrated as simple planetary gearsets, it is contemplated thatcompound planetary gearsets may be included in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 100 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 1, with first planetary gearset 108 positionedbetween a first location or end 116 at which input member 102 entersstationary member 106 and second planetary gearset 110, second planetarygearset 110 is positioned between first planetary gearset 108 and thirdplanetary gearset 112, third planetary gearset 112 is positioned betweensecond planetary gearset 110 and fourth planetary gearset 114, andfourth planetary gearset 114 is positioned between third planetarygearset 112 and a second location or end 118 at which output member 104exits stationary member 106. In alternative embodiments, first planetarygearset 108, second planetary gearset 110, third planetary gearset 112,and fourth planetary gearset 114 are arranged in any order relative tolocation 116 and location 118. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1,each of first planetary gearset 108, second planetary gearset 110, thirdplanetary gearset 112, and fourth planetary gearset 114 are axiallyaligned. In one example, input member 102 and output member 104 are alsoaxially aligned with first planetary gearset 108, second planetarygearset 110, third planetary gearset 112, and fourth planetary gearset114. In alternative embodiments, one or more of input member 102, outputmember 104, first planetary gearset 108, second planetary gearset 110,third planetary gearset 112, and fourth planetary gearset 114 are offsetand not axially aligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 108 includes a sun gear 120, a planet carrier122 supporting a plurality of planet gears 124, and a ring gear 126.Second planetary gearset 110 includes a sun gear 130, a planet carrier132 supporting a plurality of planet gears 134, and a ring gear 136.Third planetary gearset 112 includes a sun gear 140, a planet carrier142 supporting a plurality of planet gears 144, and a ring gear 146.Fourth planetary gearset 114 includes a sun gear 150, a planet carrier152 supporting a plurality of planet gears 154, and a ring gear 156.

Multi-speed transmission 100 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 162, a secondselective coupler 164, a third selective coupler 166, a fourth selectivecoupler 168, a fifth selective coupler 170, and a sixth selectivecoupler 172. In the illustrated embodiment, first selective coupler 162and second selective coupler 164 are brakes and third selective coupler166, fourth selective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170, andsixth selective coupler 172 are clutches. The axial locations of theclutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gearsets maybe altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 100 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member 102is fixedly coupled to ring gear 126 of first planetary gearset 108 andthird selective coupler 166. Output member 104 is fixedly coupled toring gear 156 of fourth planetary gearset 114. Sun gear 120 of firstplanetary gearset 108, sun gear 130 of second planetary gearset 110, andsun gear 150 of fourth planetary gearset 114 are fixedly coupledtogether. Planet carrier 142 of third planetary gearset 112, planetcarrier 152 of fourth planetary gearset 114, third selective coupler166, and fourth selective coupler 168 are fixedly coupled together. Sungear 140 of third planetary gearset 112 and fifth selective coupler 170are fixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 122 of first planetarygearset 108, fourth selective coupler 168, and sixth selective coupler172 are fixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 132 of second planetarygearset 110, second selective coupler 164, and fifth selective coupler170 are fixedly coupled together. Ring gear 136 of second planetarygearset 110, first selective coupler 162, and sixth selective coupler172 are fixedly coupled together. Ring gear 146 of third planetarygearset 112 is fixedly coupled to at least one stationary member 106.

Multi-speed transmission 100 may be described as having nineinterconnectors. Input member 102 is a first interconnector that bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 100 and is fixedlycoupled to ring gear 126 of first planetary gearset 108 and thirdselective coupler 166. Output member 104 is a second interconnector thatboth provides output torque from multi-speed transmission 100 and isfixedly coupled to ring gear 156 of fourth planetary gearset 114. Athird interconnector 180 fixedly couples sun gear 120 of first planetarygearset 108, sun gear 130 of second planetary gearset 110, and sun gear150 of fourth planetary gearset 114 together. A fourth interconnector182 fixedly couples planet carrier 142 of third planetary gearset 112,planet carrier 152 of fourth planetary gearset 114, third selectivecoupler 166, and fourth selective coupler 168 together. A fifthinterconnector 184 fixedly couples sun gear 140 of third planetarygearset 112 and fifth selective coupler 170 together. A sixthinterconnector 186 fixedly couples planet carrier 122 of first planetarygearset 108, fourth selective coupler 168, and sixth selective coupler172 together. A seventh interconnector 188 fixedly couples planetcarrier 132 of second planetary gearset 110, second selective coupler164, and fifth selective coupler 170 together. An eighth interconnector190 fixedly couples ring gear 136 of second planetary gearset 110, firstselective coupler 162, and sixth selective coupler 172 together. A ninthinterconnector 178 fixedly couples ring gear 146 of third planetarygearset 112 to at least one stationary member 106.

Multi-speed transmission 100 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 162, when engaged, fixedlycouples ring gear 136 of second planetary gearset 110 to stationarymember 106. When first selective coupler 162 is disengaged, ring gear136 of second planetary gearset 110 may rotate relative to stationarymember 106.

Second selective coupler 164, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 132 of second planetary gearset 110 to stationary member 106.When second selective coupler 164 is disengaged, planet carrier 132 ofsecond planetary gearset 110 may rotate relative to stationary member106.

Third selective coupler 166, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 126of first planetary gearset 108 to planet carrier 142 of third planetarygearset 112 and planet carrier 152 of fourth planetary gearset 114. Whenthird selective coupler 166 is disengaged, ring gear 126 of firstplanetary gearset 108 may rotate relative to planet carrier 142 of thirdplanetary gearset 112 and planet carrier 152 of fourth planetary gearset114.

Fourth selective coupler 168, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 122 of first planetary gearset 108 to planet carrier 142 ofthird planetary gearset 112 and planet carrier 152 of fourth planetarygearset 114. When fourth selective coupler 168 is disengaged, planetcarrier 122 of first planetary gearset 108 may rotate relative to planetcarrier 142 of third planetary gearset 112 and planet carrier 152 offourth planetary gearset 114.

Fifth selective coupler 170, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 132 of second planetary gearset 110 to sun gear 140 of thirdplanetary gearset 112. When fifth selective coupler 170 is disengaged,planet carrier 132 of second planetary gearset 110 may rotate relativeto sun gear 140 of third planetary gearset 112.

Sixth selective coupler 172, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 122 of first planetary gearset 108 to ring gear 136 of secondplanetary gearset 110. When sixth selective coupler 172 is disengaged,planet carrier 122 of first planetary gearset 108 may rotate relative toring gear 136 of second planetary gearset 110.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 162, secondselective coupler 164, third selective coupler 166, fourth selectivecoupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170, and sixth selective coupler172, additional components of multi-speed transmission 100 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 100 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 102 to outputmember 104 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and one reversegear or speed ratio. Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary truth table 200is shown that provides the state of each of first selective coupler 162,second selective coupler 164, third selective coupler 166, fourthselective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170, and sixth selectivecoupler 172 for ten different forward gear or speed ratios and onereverse gear or speed ratio. Each row corresponds to a giveninterconnection arrangement for transmission 100. The first columnprovides the gear range (reverse and 1^(st)-10^(th) forward gears). Thesecond column provides the gear ratio between the input member 102 andthe output member 104. The third column provides the gear step. The sixrightmost columns illustrate which ones of the selective couplers162-172 are engaged (“1” indicates engaged) and which ones of selectivecouplers 162-172 are disengaged (“(blank)” indicates disengaged). FIG. 2is only one example of any number of truth tables possible for achievingat least nine forward ratios and one reverse ratio.

In the example of FIG. 2, the illustrated reverse ratio (Rev) isachieved by having third selective coupler 166, fifth selective coupler170, and sixth selective coupler 172 in an engaged configuration andfirst selective coupler 162, second selective coupler 164, and fourthselective coupler 168 in a disengaged configuration.

In one embodiment, to place multi-speed transmission 100 in neutral(Neu), all of first selective coupler 162, second selective coupler 164,third selective coupler 166, fourth selective coupler 168, fifthselective coupler 170, and sixth selective coupler 172 are in thedisengaged configuration. One or more of first selective coupler 162,second selective coupler 164, third selective coupler 166, fourthselective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler 170, and sixth selectivecoupler 172 may remain engaged in neutral (Neu) as long as thecombination of first selective coupler 162, second selective coupler164, third selective coupler 166, fourth selective coupler 168, fifthselective coupler 170, and sixth selective coupler 172 does not transmittorque from input member 102 to output member 104.

A first forward ratio (shown as 1st) in truth table 200 of FIG. 2 isachieved by having second selective coupler 164, fifth selective coupler170, and sixth selective coupler 172 in an engaged configuration andfirst selective coupler 162, third selective coupler 166, and fourthselective coupler 168 in a disengaged configuration.

A second or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 2nd) in truth table 200of FIG. 2 is achieved by having first selective coupler 162, fifthselective coupler 170, and sixth selective coupler 172 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 164, third selective coupler166, and fourth selective coupler 168 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the first forward ratio and thesecond forward ratio, second selective coupler 164 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 162 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A third or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 3rd) in truth table 200 ofFIG. 2 is achieved by having fourth selective coupler 168, fifthselective coupler 170, and sixth selective coupler 172 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 162, second selective coupler164, and third selective coupler 166 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the second forward ratio and thethird forward ratio, first selective coupler 162 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 168 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fourth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 4th) in truth table 200of FIG. 2 is achieved by having second selective coupler 164, fourthselective coupler 168, and fifth selective coupler 170 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 162, third selective coupler166, and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the third forward ratio and thefourth forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 172 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 164 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fifth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 5th) in truth table 200 ofFIG. 2 is achieved by having second selective coupler 164, fourthselective coupler 168, and sixth selective coupler 172 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 162, third selective coupler166, and fifth selective coupler 170 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fourth forward ratio and thefifth forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 170 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and sixth selective coupler 172 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A sixth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 6th) in truth table 200 ofFIG. 2 is achieved by having first selective coupler 162, secondselective coupler 164, and fourth selective coupler 168 in an engagedconfiguration and third selective coupler 166, fifth selective coupler170, and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fifth forward ratio and thesixth forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 172 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 162 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A seventh or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 7th) in truth table 200of FIG. 2 is achieved by having second selective coupler 164, thirdselective coupler 166, and fourth selective coupler 168 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 162, fifth selective coupler170, and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the sixth forward ratio and theseventh forward ratio, first selective coupler 162 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and third selective coupler 166 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

An eighth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 8th) in truth table 200of FIG. 2 is achieved by having first selective coupler 162, secondselective coupler 164, and third selective coupler 166 in an engagedconfiguration and fourth selective coupler 168, fifth selective coupler170, and sixth selective coupler 172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the seventh forward ratio and theeighth forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 168 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 162 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A ninth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 9th) in truth table 200 ofFIG. 2 is achieved by having second selective coupler 164, thirdselective coupler 166, and sixth selective coupler 172 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 162, fourth selective coupler168, and fifth selective coupler 170 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the eighth forward ratio and theninth forward ratio, first selective coupler 162 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and sixth selective coupler 172 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A tenth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 10th) in truth table 200of FIG. 2 is achieved by having first selective coupler 162, thirdselective coupler 166, and sixth selective coupler 172 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 164, fourth selective coupler168, and fifth selective coupler 170 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the ninth forward ratio and thetenth forward ratio, second selective coupler 164 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 162 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reversesequence of the corresponding upshift (as described above). Further,several power-on skip-shifts that are single-transition are possible(e.g. from 1^(st) up to 3^(rd), from 3^(rd) down to 1^(st), from 3^(rd)up to 5^(th), and from 5^(th) down to 3^(rd)).

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission300. Multi-speed transmission 300 includes an input member 302 and anoutput member 304. Each of input member 302 and output member 304 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 306. An exemplaryinput member 302 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 304 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 306 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 300. The housing may include severalcomponents coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 300 includes a plurality of planetary gearsets,illustratively a first planetary gearset 308, a second planetary gearset310, a third planetary gearset 312, and a fourth planetary gearset 314.In one embodiment, additional planetary gearsets may be included.Further, although first planetary gearset 308, second planetary gearset310, third planetary gearset 312, and fourth planetary gearset 314 areillustrated as simple planetary gearsets, it is contemplated thatcompound planetary gearsets may be included in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 300 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 3, with first planetary gearset 308 positionedbetween a first location or end 316 at which input member 302 entersstationary member 306 and second planetary gearset 310, second planetarygearset 310 is positioned between first planetary gearset 308 and thirdplanetary gearset 312, third planetary gearset 312 is positioned betweensecond planetary gearset 310 and fourth planetary gearset 314, andfourth planetary gearset 314 is positioned between third planetarygearset 312 and a second location or end 318 at which output member 304exits stationary member 306. In alternative embodiments, first planetarygearset 308, second planetary gearset 310, third planetary gearset 312,and fourth planetary gearset 314 are arranged in any order relative tolocation 316 and location 318. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3,each of first planetary gearset 308, second planetary gearset 310, thirdplanetary gearset 312, and fourth planetary gearset 314 are axiallyaligned. In one example, input member 302 and output member 304 are alsoaxially aligned with first planetary gearset 308, second planetarygearset 310, third planetary gearset 312, and fourth planetary gearset314. In alternative embodiments, one or more of input member 302, outputmember 304, first planetary gearset 308, second planetary gearset 310,third planetary gearset 312, and fourth planetary gearset 314 are offsetand not axially aligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 308 includes a sun gear 320, a planet carrier322 supporting a plurality of planet gears 324, and a ring gear 326.Second planetary gearset 310 includes a sun gear 330, a planet carrier332 supporting a plurality of planet gears 334, and a ring gear 336.Third planetary gearset 312 includes a sun gear 340, a planet carrier342 supporting a plurality of planet gears 344, and a ring gear 346.Fourth planetary gearset 314 includes a sun gear 350, a planet carrier352 supporting a plurality of planet gears 354, and a ring gear 356.

Multi-speed transmission 300 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 362, a secondselective coupler 364, a third selective coupler 366, a fourth selectivecoupler 368, a fifth selective coupler 370, and a sixth selectivecoupler 372. In the illustrated embodiment, first selective coupler 362and second selective coupler 364 are brakes and third selective coupler366, fourth selective coupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370, andsixth selective coupler 372 are clutches. The axial locations of theclutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gearsets maybe altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 300 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member 302is fixedly coupled to ring gear 326 of first planetary gearset 308 andthird selective coupler 366. Output member 304 is fixedly coupled toring gear 356 of fourth planetary gearset 314. ring gear 336 of secondplanetary gearset 310, planet carrier 342 of third planetary gearset312, planet carrier 352 of fourth planetary gearset 314, and thirdselective coupler 366 are fixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 322of first planetary gearset 308, sun gear 340 of third planetary gearset312, first selective coupler 362, and fourth selective coupler 368 arefixedly coupled together. Sun gear 330 of second planetary gearset 310and fifth selective coupler 370 are fixedly coupled together. Sun gear320 of first planetary gearset 308, second selective coupler 364, andfifth selective coupler 370 are fixedly coupled together. Sun gear 350of fourth planetary gearset 314, fourth selective coupler 368, and sixthselective coupler 372 are fixedly coupled together. Ring gear 346 ofthird planetary gearset 312 and sixth selective coupler 372 are fixedlycoupled together. Planet carrier 332 of second planetary gearset 310 isfixedly coupled to at least one stationary member 306.

Multi-speed transmission 300 may be described as having nineinterconnectors. Input member 302 is a first interconnector that bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 300 and is fixedlycoupled to ring gear 326 of first planetary gearset 308 and thirdselective coupler 366. Output member 304 is a second interconnector thatboth provides output torque from multi-speed transmission 300 and isfixedly coupled to ring gear 356 of fourth planetary gearset 314. Athird interconnector 380 fixedly couples ring gear 336 of secondplanetary gearset 310, planet carrier 342 of third planetary gearset312, planet carrier 352 of fourth planetary gearset 314, and thirdselective coupler 366 together. A fourth interconnector 382 fixedlycouples planet carrier 322 of first planetary gearset 308, sun gear 340of third planetary gearset 312, first selective coupler 362, and fourthselective coupler 368 together. A fifth interconnector 384 fixedlycouples sun gear 330 of second planetary gearset 310 and fifth selectivecoupler 370 together. A sixth interconnector 386 fixedly couples sungear 320 of first planetary gearset 308, second selective coupler 364,and fifth selective coupler 370 together. A seventh interconnector 388fixedly couples sun gear 350 of fourth planetary gearset 314, fourthselective coupler 368, and sixth selective coupler 372 together. Aneighth interconnector 390 fixedly couples ring gear 346 of thirdplanetary gearset 312 and sixth selective coupler 372 together. A ninthinterconnector 378 fixedly couples planet carrier 332 of secondplanetary gearset 310 to at least one stationary member 306.

Multi-speed transmission 300 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 362, when engaged, fixedlycouples planet carrier 322 of first planetary gearset 308 and sun gear340 of third planetary gearset 312 to stationary member 306. When firstselective coupler 362 is disengaged, planet carrier 322 of firstplanetary gearset 308 and sun gear 340 of third planetary gearset 312may rotate relative to stationary member 306.

Second selective coupler 364, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 320of first planetary gearset 308 to stationary member 306. When secondselective coupler 364 is disengaged, sun gear 320 of first planetarygearset 308 may rotate relative to stationary member 306.

Third selective coupler 366, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 326of first planetary gearset 308 to planet carrier 352 of fourth planetarygearset 314, ring gear 336 of second planetary gearset 310, and planetcarrier 342 of third planetary gearset 312. When third selective coupler366 is disengaged, ring gear 326 of first planetary gearset 308 mayrotate relative to planet carrier 352 of fourth planetary gearset 314,ring gear 336 of second planetary gearset 310, and planet carrier 342 ofthird planetary gearset 312.

Fourth selective coupler 368, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 322 of first planetary gearset 308 and sun gear 340 of thirdplanetary gearset 312 to sun gear 350 of fourth planetary gearset 314.When fourth selective coupler 368 is disengaged, planet carrier 322 offirst planetary gearset 308 and sun gear 340 of third planetary gearset312 may rotate relative to sun gear 350 of fourth planetary gearset 314.

Fifth selective coupler 370, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 320of first planetary gearset 308 to sun gear 330 of second planetarygearset 310. When fifth selective coupler 370 is disengaged, sun gear320 of first planetary gearset 308 may rotate relative to sun gear 330of second planetary gearset 310.

Sixth selective coupler 372, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 346of third planetary gearset 312 to sun gear 350 of fourth planetarygearset 314. When sixth selective coupler 372 is disengaged, ring gear346 of third planetary gearset 312 may rotate relative to sun gear 350of fourth planetary gearset 314.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 362, secondselective coupler 364, third selective coupler 366, fourth selectivecoupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370, and sixth selective coupler372, additional components of multi-speed transmission 300 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 300 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 302 to outputmember 304 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and one reversegear or speed ratio. Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary truth table 400is shown that provides the state of each of first selective coupler 362,second selective coupler 364, third selective coupler 366, fourthselective coupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370, and sixth selectivecoupler 372 for ten different forward gear or speed ratios and onereverse gear or speed ratio. Each row corresponds to a giveninterconnection arrangement for transmission 300. The first columnprovides the gear range (reverse and 1^(st)-10^(th) forward gears). Thesecond column provides the gear ratio between the input member 302 andthe output member 304. The third column provides the gear step. The sixrightmost columns illustrate which ones of the selective couplers362-372 are engaged (“1” indicates engaged) and which ones of selectivecouplers 362-372 are disengaged (“(blank)” indicates disengaged). FIG. 4is only one example of any number of truth tables possible for achievingat least nine forward ratios and one reverse ratio.

In the example of FIG. 4, the illustrated reverse ratio (Rev) isachieved by having second selective coupler 364, fourth selectivecoupler 368, and fifth selective coupler 370 in an engaged configurationand first selective coupler 362, third selective coupler 366, and sixthselective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.

In one embodiment, to place multi-speed transmission 300 in neutral(Neu), all of first selective coupler 362, second selective coupler 364,third selective coupler 366, fourth selective coupler 368, fifthselective coupler 370, and sixth selective coupler 372 are in thedisengaged configuration. One or more of first selective coupler 362,second selective coupler 364, third selective coupler 366, fourthselective coupler 368, fifth selective coupler 370, and sixth selectivecoupler 372 may remain engaged in neutral (Neu) as long as thecombination of first selective coupler 362, second selective coupler364, third selective coupler 366, fourth selective coupler 368, fifthselective coupler 370, and sixth selective coupler 372 does not transmittorque from input member 302 to output member 304.

A first forward ratio (shown as 1st) in truth table 400 of FIG. 4 isachieved by having second selective coupler 364, fifth selective coupler370, and sixth selective coupler 372 in an engaged configuration andfirst selective coupler 362, third selective coupler 366, and fourthselective coupler 368 in a disengaged configuration.

A second or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 2nd) in truth table 400of FIG. 4 is achieved by having fourth selective coupler 368, fifthselective coupler 370, and sixth selective coupler 372 in an engagedconfiguration, and first selective coupler 362, second selective coupler364, and third selective coupler 366 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the first forward ratio and thesecond forward ratio, second selective coupler 364 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 368 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A third or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 3rd) in truth table 400 ofFIG. 4 is achieved by having first selective coupler 362, fifthselective coupler 370, and sixth selective coupler 372 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 364, third selective coupler366, and fourth selective coupler 368 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the second forward ratio and thethird forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 368 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 362 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fourth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 4th) in truth table 400of FIG. 4 is achieved by having third selective coupler 366, fifthselective coupler 370, and sixth selective coupler 372 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 362, second selective coupler364, and fourth selective coupler 368 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the third forward ratio and thefourth forward ratio, first selective coupler 362 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and third selective coupler 366 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fifth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 5th) in truth table 400 ofFIG. 4 is achieved by having first selective coupler 362, thirdselective coupler 366, and sixth selective coupler 372 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 364, fourth selective coupler368, and fifth selective coupler 370 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fourth forward ratio and thefifth forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 370 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 362 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A sixth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 6th) in truth table 400 ofFIG. 4 is achieved by having second selective coupler 364, thirdselective coupler 366, sixth selective coupler 372 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 362, fourth selective coupler368, and fifth selective coupler 370 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fifth forward ratio and thesixth forward ratio, first selective coupler 362 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 364 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A seventh or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 7th) in truth table 400of FIG. 4 is achieved by having third selective coupler 366, fourthselective coupler 368, sixth selective coupler 372 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 362, second selective coupler364, and fifth selective coupler 370 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the sixth forward ratio and theseventh forward ratio, second selective coupler 364 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 368 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

An eighth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 8th) in truth table 400of FIG. 4 is achieved by having second selective coupler 364, thirdselective coupler 366, fourth selective coupler 368 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 362, fifth selective coupler370, and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the seventh forward ratio and theeighth forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 372 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 364 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A ninth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 9th) in truth table 400 ofFIG. 4 is achieved by having first selective coupler 362, thirdselective coupler 366, and fourth selective coupler 368 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 364, fifth selective coupler370, and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the eighth forward ratio and theninth forward ratio, second selective coupler 364 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 362 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A tenth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 10th) in truth table 400of FIG. 4 is achieved by having third selective coupler 366, fourthselective coupler 368, and fifth selective coupler 370 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 362, second selective coupler364, and sixth selective coupler 372 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the ninth forward ratio and thetenth forward ratio, first selective coupler 362 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fifth selective coupler 370 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reversesequence of the corresponding upshift (as described above). Further,several power-on skip-shifts that are single-transition are possible(e.g. from 1^(st) up to 3^(rd), from 3^(rd) down to 1^(st), from 3^(rd)up to 5^(th), and from 5^(th) down to 3^(rd)).

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission500. Multi-speed transmission 500 includes an input member 502 and anoutput member 504. Each of input member 502 and output member 504 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 506. An exemplaryinput member 502 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 504 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 506 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 500. The housing may include severalcomponents coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 500 includes a plurality of planetary gearsets,illustratively a first planetary gearset 508, a second planetary gearset510, a third planetary gearset 512, and a fourth planetary gearset 514.In one embodiment, additional planetary gearsets may be included.Further, although first planetary gearset 508, second planetary gearset510, third planetary gearset 512, and fourth planetary gearset 514 areillustrated as simple planetary gearsets, it is contemplated thatcompound planetary gearsets may be included in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 500 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 5, with first planetary gearset 508 positionedbetween a first location or end 516 at which input member 502 entersstationary member 506 and second planetary gearset 510, second planetarygearset 510 is positioned between first planetary gearset 508 and thirdplanetary gearset 512, third planetary gearset 512 is positioned betweensecond planetary gearset 510 and fourth planetary gearset 514, andfourth planetary gearset 514 is positioned between third planetarygearset 512 and a second location or end 518 at which output member 504exits stationary member 506. In alternative embodiments, first planetarygearset 508, second planetary gearset 510, third planetary gearset 512,and fourth planetary gearset 514 are arranged in any order relative tolocation 516 and location 518. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5,each of first planetary gearset 508, second planetary gearset 510, thirdplanetary gearset 512, and fourth planetary gearset 514 are axiallyaligned. In one example, input member 502 and output member 504 are alsoaxially aligned with first planetary gearset 508, second planetarygearset 510, third planetary gearset 512, and fourth planetary gearset514. In alternative embodiments, one or more of input member 502, outputmember 504, first planetary gearset 508, second planetary gearset 510,third planetary gearset 512, and fourth planetary gearset 514 are offsetand not axially aligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 508 includes a sun gear 520, a planet carrier522 supporting a plurality of planet gears 524, and a ring gear 526.Second planetary gearset 510 includes a sun gear 530, a planet carrier532 supporting a plurality of planet gears 534, and a ring gear 536.Third planetary gearset 512 includes a sun gear 540, a planet carrier542 supporting a plurality of planet gears 544, and a ring gear 546.Fourth planetary gearset 514 includes a sun gear 550, a planet carrier552 supporting a plurality of planet gears 554, and a ring gear 556.

Multi-speed transmission 500 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 562, a secondselective coupler 564, a third selective coupler 566, a fourth selectivecoupler 568, a fifth selective coupler 570, and a sixth selectivecoupler 572. In the illustrated embodiment, first selective coupler 562and second selective coupler 564 are brakes and third selective coupler566, fourth selective coupler 568, fifth selective coupler 570, andsixth selective coupler 572 are clutches. The axial locations of theclutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gearsets maybe altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 500 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member 502is fixedly coupled to ring gear 526 of first planetary gearset 508 andthird selective coupler 566. Output member 504 is fixedly coupled toring gear 556 of fourth planetary gearset 514. Sun gear 520 of firstplanetary gearset 508, sun gear 530 of second planetary gearset 510, andsun gear 550 of fourth planetary gearset 514 are fixedly coupledtogether. Planet carrier 532 of second planetary gearset 510, sun gear540 of third planetary gearset 512, and first selective coupler 562 arefixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 542 0f third planetary gearset512 and fourth selective coupler 568 are fixedly coupled together.Planet carrier 522 of first planetary gearset 508, fifth selectivecoupler 570, and sixth selective coupler 572 are fixedly coupledtogether. Planet carrier 552 of fourth planetary gearset 514, thirdselective coupler 566, fourth selective coupler 568, and fifth selectivecoupler 570 are fixedly coupled together. Ring gear 536 of secondplanetary gearset 510, second selective coupler 564, and sixth selectivecoupler 572 are fixedly coupled together. Ring gear 546 is fixedlycoupled to at least one stationary member 506.

Multi-speed transmission 500 may be described as having nineinterconnectors. Input member 502 is a first interconnector that bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 500 and fixedlycouples ring gear 526 of first planetary gearset 508 to third selectivecoupler 566. Output member 504 is a second interconnector that bothprovides output torque from multi-speed transmission 500 and is fixedlycoupled to ring gear 556 of fourth planetary gearset 514. A thirdinterconnector 580 fixedly couples sun gear 520 of first planetarygearset 508, sun gear 530 of second planetary gearset 510, and sun gear550 of fourth planetary gearset 514 together. A fourth interconnector582 fixedly couples planet carrier 532 of second planetary gearset 510,sun gear 540 of third planetary gearset 512 and first selective coupler562 together. A fifth interconnector 584 fixedly couples planet carrier542 of third planetary gearset 512 and fourth selective coupler 568together. A sixth interconnector 586 fixedly couples planet carrier 522of first planetary gearset 508, fifth selective coupler 570, and sixthselective coupler 572 together. A seventh interconnector 588 fixedlycouples planet carrier 552 of fourth planetary gearset 514, thirdselective coupler 566, fourth selective coupler 568, and fifth selectivecoupler 570 together. An eighth interconnector 590 fixedly couples ringgear 536 of second planetary gearset 510, second selective coupler 564,and sixth selective coupler 572 together. A ninth interconnector 578fixedly couples ring gear 546 of third planetary gearset 512 to at leastone stationary member 506.

Multi-speed transmission 500 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 562, when engaged, fixedlycouples planet carrier 532 of second planetary gearset 510 and sun gear540 of third planetary gearset 512 to stationary member 506. When firstselective coupler 562 is disengaged, planet carrier 532 of secondplanetary gearset 510 and sun gear 540 of third planetary gearset 512may rotate relative to stationary member 506.

Second selective coupler 564, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear536 of second planetary gearset 510 to stationary member 506. Whensecond selective coupler 564 is disengaged, ring gear 536 of secondplanetary gearset 510 may rotate relative to stationary member 506.

Third selective coupler 566, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 526of first planetary gearset 508 to planet carrier 552 of fourth planetarygearset 514. When third selective coupler 566 is disengaged, ring gear526 of first planetary gearset 508 may rotate relative to planet carrier552 of fourth planetary gearset 514.

Fourth selective coupler 568, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 542 of third planetary gearset 512 to planet carrier 552 offourth planetary gearset 514. When fourth selective coupler 568 isdisengaged, planet carrier 542 of third planetary gearset 512 may rotaterelative to planet carrier 552 of fourth planetary gearset 514.

Fifth selective coupler 570, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 522 of first planetary gearset 508 to planet carrier 552 offourth planetary gearset 514. When fifth selective coupler 570 isdisengaged, planet carrier 522 of first planetary gearset 508 may rotaterelative to planet carrier 552 of fourth planetary gearset 514.

Sixth selective coupler 572, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 522 of first planetary gearset 508 to ring gear 536 of secondplanetary gearset 510. When sixth selective coupler 572 is disengaged,planet carrier 522 of first planetary gearset 508 may rotate relative toring gear 536 of second planetary gearset 510.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 562, secondselective coupler 564, third selective coupler 566, fourth selectivecoupler 568, fifth selective coupler 570, and sixth selective coupler572, additional components of multi-speed transmission 500 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 500 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 502 to outputmember 504 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and one reversegear or speed ratio. Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary truth table 600is shown that provides the state of each of first selective coupler 562,second selective coupler 564, third selective coupler 566, fourthselective coupler 568, fifth selective coupler 570, and sixth selectivecoupler 572 for ten different forward gear or speed ratios and onereverse gear or speed ratio. Each row corresponds to a giveninterconnection arrangement for transmission 500. The first columnprovides the gear range (reverse and 1^(st)-10^(th) forward gears). Thesecond column provides the gear ratio between the input member 502 andthe output member 504. The third column provides the gear step. The sixrightmost columns illustrate which ones of the selective couplers562-572 are engaged (“1” indicates engaged) and which ones of selectivecouplers 562-572 are disengaged (“(blank)” indicates disengaged). FIG. 6is only one example of any number of truth tables possible for achievingat least nine forward ratios and one reverse ratio.

In the example of FIG. 6, the illustrated reverse ratio (Rev) isachieved by having third selective coupler 566, fourth selective coupler568, and sixth selective coupler 572 in an engaged configuration andfirst selective coupler 562, second selective coupler 564, and fifthselective coupler 570 in a disengaged configuration.

In one embodiment, to place multi-speed transmission 500 in neutral(Neu), all of first selective coupler 562, second selective coupler 564,third selective coupler 566, fourth selective coupler 568, fifthselective coupler 570, and sixth selective coupler 572 are in thedisengaged configuration. One or more of first selective coupler 562,second selective coupler 564, third selective coupler 566, fourthselective coupler 568, fifth selective coupler 570, and sixth selectivecoupler 572 may remain engaged in neutral (Neu) as long as thecombination of first selective coupler 562, second selective coupler564, third selective coupler 566, fourth selective coupler 568, fifthselective coupler 570, and sixth selective coupler 572 does not transmittorque from input member 502 to output member 504.

A first forward ratio (shown as 1st) in truth table 600 of FIG. 6 isachieved by having first selective coupler 562, fourth selective coupler568, and sixth selective coupler 572 in an engaged configuration andsecond selective coupler 564, third selective coupler 566, and fifthselective coupler 570 in a disengaged configuration.

A second or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 2nd) in truth table 600of FIG. 6 is achieved by having second selective coupler 564, fourthselective coupler 568, and sixth selective coupler 572 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 562, third selective coupler566, and fifth selective coupler 570 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the first forward ratio and thesecond forward ratio, first selective coupler 562 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 564 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A third or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 3rd) in truth table 600 ofFIG. 6 is achieved by having second selective coupler 564, fourthselective coupler 568, and fifth selective coupler 570 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 562, third selective coupler566, and sixth selective coupler 572 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the second forward ratio and thethird forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 572 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fifth selective coupler 570 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fourth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 4th) in truth table 600of FIG. 6 is achieved by having first selective coupler 562, fourthselective coupler 568, and fifth selective coupler 570 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 564, third selective coupler566, and sixth selective coupler 572 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the third forward ratio and thefourth forward ratio, second selective coupler 564 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 562 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fifth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 5th) in truth table 600 ofFIG. 6 is achieved by having first selective coupler 562, fifthselective coupler 570, and sixth selective coupler 572 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 564, third selective coupler566, and fourth selective coupler 568 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fourth forward ratio and thefifth forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 568 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and sixth selective coupler 572 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A sixth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 6th) in truth table 600 ofFIG. 6 is achieved by having first selective coupler 562, secondselective coupler 564, and fifth selective coupler 570 in an engagedconfiguration and third selective coupler 566, fourth selective coupler568, and sixth selective coupler 572 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fifth forward ratio and thesixth forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 572 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 564 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A seventh or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 7th) in truth table 600of FIG. 6 is achieved by having second selective coupler 564, thirdselective coupler 566, and fifth selective coupler 570 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 562, fourth selective coupler568, and sixth selective coupler 572 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the sixth forward ratio and theseventh forward ratio, first selective coupler 562 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and third selective coupler 566 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

An eighth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 8th) in truth table 600of FIG. 6 is achieved by having first selective coupler 562, secondselective coupler 564, and third selective coupler 566 in an engagedconfiguration and fourth selective coupler 568, fifth selective coupler570, and sixth selective coupler 572 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the seventh forward ratio and theeighth forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 570 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 562 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A ninth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 9th) in truth table 600 ofFIG. 6 is achieved by having first selective coupler 562, thirdselective coupler 566, and sixth selective coupler 572 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 564, fourth selective coupler568, and fifth selective coupler 570 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the eighth forward ratio and theninth forward ratio, second selective coupler 564 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and sixth selective coupler 572 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A tenth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 10th) in truth table 600of FIG. 6 is achieved by having second selective coupler 564, thirdselective coupler 566, and sixth selective coupler 572 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 562, fourth selective coupler568, and fifth selective coupler 570 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the ninth forward ratio and thetenth forward ratio, first selective coupler 562 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 564 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reversesequence of the corresponding upshift (as described above). Further,several power-on skip-shifts that are single-transition are possible(e.g. from 6^(th) up to 8^(th), from 8^(th) down to 6^(th), from 8^(th)up to 10^(th), and from 10^(th) down to 8^(th)).

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission700. Multi-speed transmission 700 includes an input member 702 and anoutput member 704. Each of input member 702 and output member 704 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 706. An exemplaryinput member 702 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 704 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 706 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 700. The housing may include severalcomponents coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 700 includes a plurality of planetary gearsets,illustratively a first planetary gearset 708, a second planetary gearset710, a third planetary gearset 712, and a fourth planetary gearset 714.In one embodiment, additional planetary gearsets may be included.Further, although first planetary gearset 708, second planetary gearset710, third planetary gearset 712, and fourth planetary gearset 714 areillustrated as simple planetary gearsets, it is contemplated thatcompound planetary gearsets may be included in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 700 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 7, with first planetary gearset 708 positionedbetween a first location or end 716 at which input member 702 entersstationary member 706 and second planetary gearset 710, second planetarygearset 710 is positioned between first planetary gearset 708 and thirdplanetary gearset 712, third planetary gearset 712 is positioned betweensecond planetary gearset 710 and fourth planetary gearset 714, andfourth planetary gearset 714 is positioned between third planetarygearset 712 and a second location or end 718 at which output member 704exits stationary member 706. In alternative embodiments, first planetarygearset 708, second planetary gearset 710, third planetary gearset 712,and fourth planetary gearset 714 are arranged in any order relative tolocation 716 and location 718. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 7,each of first planetary gearset 708, second planetary gearset 710, thirdplanetary gearset 712, and fourth planetary gearset 714 are axiallyaligned. In one example, input member 702 and output member 704 are alsoaxially aligned with first planetary gearset 708, second planetarygearset 710, third planetary gearset 712, and fourth planetary gearset714. In alternative embodiments, one or more of input member 702, outputmember 704, first planetary gearset 708, second planetary gearset 710,third planetary gearset 712, and fourth planetary gearset 714 are offsetand not axially aligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 708 includes a sun gear 720, a planet carrier722 supporting a plurality of planet gears 724, and a ring gear 726.Second planetary gearset 710 includes a sun gear 730, a planet carrier732 supporting a plurality of planet gears 734, and a ring gear 736.Third planetary gearset 712 includes a sun gear 740, a planet carrier742 supporting a plurality of planet gears 744, and a ring gear 746.Fourth planetary gearset 714 includes a sun gear 750, a planet carrier752 supporting a plurality of planet gears 754, and a ring gear 756.

Multi-speed transmission 700 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 762, a secondselective coupler 764, a third selective coupler 766, a fourth selectivecoupler 768, a fifth selective coupler 770, and a sixth selectivecoupler 772. In the illustrated embodiment, first selective coupler 762and second selective coupler 764 are brakes and third selective coupler766, fourth selective coupler 768, fifth selective coupler 770, andsixth selective coupler 772 are clutches. The axial locations of theclutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gearsets maybe altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 700 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member 702is fixedly coupled to ring gear 726 of first planetary gearset 708 andthird selective coupler 766. Output member 704 is fixedly coupled toring gear 756 of fourth planetary gearset 714. Ring gear 736 of secondplanetary gearset 710, planet carrier 752 of fourth planetary gearset714, third selective coupler 766, and fourth selective coupler 768 arefixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 722 of first planetary gearset708, sun gear 740 of third planetary gearset 712, first selectivecoupler 762, and fifth selective coupler 770 are fixedly coupledtogether. Ring gear 746 of third planetary gearset 712 and sun gear 750of fourth planetary gearset 714 are fixedly coupled together. Sun gear730 of second planetary gearset 710 and sixth selective coupler 772 arefixedly coupled together. Sun gear 720 of first planetary gearset 708,second selective coupler 764, and sixth selective coupler 772 arefixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 742 of third planetary gearset712, fourth selective coupler 768, and fifth selective coupler 770 arefixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 732 of second planetary gearset710 is fixedly coupled to at least one stationary member 706.

When fifth selective coupler 770 is engaged, planet carrier 742 of thirdplanetary gearset 712 and sun gear 740 of third planetary gearset 712are locked together. Hence, sun gear 740, planet carrier 742, and ringgear 746 of third planetary gearset 712 all rotate together as a singleunit. The same effect may be realized by coupling any two of sun gear740, planet carrier 742, and ring gear 746 together. In one example,fifth selective coupler 770 is fixedly coupled to ring gear 746 of thirdplanetary gearset 712 and sun gear 740 of third planetary gearset 712.In this example, when fifth selective coupler 770 is engaged, ring gear746 of third planetary gearset 712 and sun gear 740 of third planetarygearset 712 are locked together resulting in all of sun gear 740, planetcarrier 742, and ring gear 746 of third planetary gearset 712 rotatingtogether as a single unit. In another example, fifth selective coupler770 is fixedly coupled to planet carrier 742 of third planetary gearset712 and ring gear 746 of third planetary gearset 712. In this example,when fifth selective coupler 770 is engaged, planet carrier 742 of thirdplanetary gearset 712 and ring gear 746 of third planetary gearset 712are locked together resulting in all of sun gear 740, planet carrier742, and ring gear 746 of third planetary gearset 712 rotating togetheras a single unit.

Multi-speed transmission 700 may be described as having nineinterconnectors. Input member 702 is a first interconnector that bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 700 and fixedlycouples ring gear 726 of first planetary gearset 708 to third selectivecoupler 766. Output member 704 is a second interconnector that bothprovides output torque from multi-speed transmission 700 and is fixedlycoupled to ring gear 756 of fourth planetary gearset 714. A thirdinterconnector 780 fixedly couples ring gear 736 of second planetarygearset 710, planet carrier 752 of fourth planetary gearset 714, thirdselective coupler 766, and fourth selective coupler 768 together. Afourth interconnector 782 fixedly couples sun gear 740 of thirdplanetary gearset 712, planet carrier 722 of first planetary gearset708, first selective coupler 762, and fifth selective coupler 770together. A fifth interconnector 784 fixedly couples ring gear 746 ofthird planetary gearset 712 and sun gear 750 of fourth planetary gearset714 together. A sixth interconnector 786 fixedly couples sun gear 730 ofsecond planetary gearset 710 and sixth selective coupler 772 together. Aseventh interconnector 788 fixedly couples sun gear 720 of firstplanetary gearset 708, second selective coupler 764, and sixth selectivecoupler 772 together. An eighth interconnector 790 fixedly couplesplanet carrier 742 of third planetary gearset 712, fourth selectivecoupler 768, and fifth selective coupler 770 together. A ninthinterconnector 778 fixedly couples planet carrier 732 of secondplanetary gearset 710 to at least one stationary member 706.

Multi-speed transmission 700 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 762, when engaged, fixedlycouples planet carrier 722 of first planetary gearset 708 and sun gear740 of third planetary gearset 712 to stationary member 706. When firstselective coupler 762 is disengaged, planet carrier 722 of firstplanetary gearset 708 and sun gear 740 of third planetary gearset 712may rotate relative to stationary member 706.

Second selective coupler 764, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 720of first planetary gearset 708 to stationary member 706. When secondselective coupler 764 is disengaged, sun gear 720 of first planetarygearset 708 may rotate relative to stationary member 706.

Third selective coupler 766, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 726of first planetary gearset 708 to ring gear 736 of second planetarygearset 710 and planet carrier 752 of fourth planetary gearset 714. Whenthird selective coupler 766 is disengaged, ring gear 726 of firstplanetary gearset 708 may rotate relative to ring gear 736 of secondplanetary gearset 710 and planet carrier 752 of fourth planetary gearset714.

Fourth selective coupler 768, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear736 of second planetary gearset 710 and planet carrier 752 of fourthplanetary gearset 714 to planet carrier 742 of third planetary gearset712. When fourth selective coupler 768 is disengaged, ring gear 736 ofsecond planetary gearset 710 and planet carrier 752 of fourth planetarygearset 714 may rotate relative to planet carrier 742 of third planetarygearset 712.

Fifth selective coupler 770, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 722 of first planetary gearset 708 and sun gear 740 of thirdplanetary gearset 712 to planet carrier 742 of third planetary gearset712. When fifth selective coupler 770 is disengaged, planet carrier 722of first planetary gearset 708 and sun gear 740 of third planetarygearset 712 may rotate relative to planet carrier 742 of third planetarygearset 712.

Sixth selective coupler 772, when engaged, fixedly couples sun gear 720of first planetary gearset 708 to sun gear 730 of second planetarygearset 710. When sixth selective coupler 772 is disengaged, sun gear720 of first planetary gearset 708 may rotate relative to sun gear 730of second planetary gearset 710.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 762, secondselective coupler 764, third selective coupler 766, fourth selectivecoupler 768, fifth selective coupler 770, and sixth selective coupler772, additional components of multi-speed transmission 700 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 700 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 702 to outputmember 704 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and one reversegear or speed ratio. Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary truth table 800is shown that provides the state of each of first selective coupler 762,second selective coupler 764, third selective coupler 766, fourthselective coupler 768, fifth selective coupler 770, and sixth selectivecoupler 772 for ten different forward gear or speed ratios and onereverse gear or speed ratio. Each row corresponds to a giveninterconnection arrangement for transmission 700. The first columnprovides the gear range (reverse and 1^(st)-10^(th) forward gears). Thesecond column provides the gear ratio between the input member 702 andthe output member 704. The third column provides the gear step. The sixrightmost columns illustrate which ones of the selective couplers762-772 are engaged (“1” indicates engaged) and which ones of selectivecouplers 762-772 are disengaged (“(blank)” indicates disengaged). FIG. 8is only one example of any number of truth tables possible for achievingat least nine forward ratios and one reverse ratio.

In the example of FIG. 8, the illustrated reverse ratio (Rev) isachieved by having second selective coupler 764, fifth selective coupler770, and sixth selective coupler 772 in an engaged configuration andfirst selective coupler 762, third selective coupler 766, and fourthselective coupler 768 in a disengaged configuration.

In one embodiment, to place multi-speed transmission 700 in neutral(Neu), all of first selective coupler 762, second selective coupler 764,third selective coupler 766, fourth selective coupler 768, fifthselective coupler 770, and sixth selective coupler 772 are in thedisengaged configuration. One or more of first selective coupler 762,second selective coupler 764, third selective coupler 766, fourthselective coupler 768, fifth selective coupler 770, and sixth selectivecoupler 772 may remain engaged in neutral (Neu) as long as thecombination of first selective coupler 762, second selective coupler764, third selective coupler 766, fourth selective coupler 768, fifthselective coupler 770, and sixth selective coupler 772 does not transmittorque from input member 702 to output member 704.

A first forward ratio (shown as 1st) in truth table 800 of FIG. 8 isachieved by having second selective coupler 764, fourth selectivecoupler 768, and sixth selective coupler 772 in an engaged configurationand first selective coupler 762, third selective coupler 766, and fifthselective coupler 770 in a disengaged configuration.

A second or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 2nd) in truth table 800of FIG. 8 is achieved by having fourth selective coupler 768, fifthselective coupler 770, and sixth selective coupler 772 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 762, second selective coupler764, and third selective coupler 766 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the first forward ratio and thesecond forward ratio, second selective coupler 764 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fifth selective coupler 770 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A third or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 3rd) in truth table 800 ofFIG. 8 is achieved by having first selective coupler 762, fourthselective coupler 768, and sixth selective coupler 772 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 764, third selective coupler766, and fifth selective coupler 770 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the second forward ratio and thethird forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 770 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 762 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fourth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 4th) in truth table 800of FIG. 8 is achieved by having third selective coupler 766, fourthselective coupler 768, and sixth selective coupler 772 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 762, second selective coupler764, and fifth selective coupler 770 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the third forward ratio and thefourth forward ratio, first selective coupler 762 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and third selective coupler 766 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fifth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 5th) in truth table 800 ofFIG. 8 is achieved by having first selective coupler 762, thirdselective coupler 766, and fourth selective coupler 768 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 764, fifth selective coupler770, and sixth selective coupler 772 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fourth forward ratio and thefifth forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 772 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 762 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A sixth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 6th) in truth table 800 ofFIG. 8 is achieved by having second selective coupler 764, thirdselective coupler 766, and fourth selective coupler 768 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 762, fifth selective coupler770, and sixth selective coupler 772 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fifth forward ratio and thesixth forward ratio, first selective coupler 762 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 764 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A seventh or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 7th) in truth table 800of FIG. 8 is achieved by having third selective coupler 766, fourthselective coupler 768, and fifth selective coupler 770 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 762, second selective coupler764, and sixth selective coupler 772 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the sixth forward ratio and theseventh forward ratio, second selective coupler 764 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fifth selective coupler 770 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

An eighth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 8th) in truth table 800of FIG. 8 is achieved by having second selective coupler 764, thirdselective coupler 766, and fifth selective coupler 770 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 762, fourth selective coupler768, and sixth selective coupler 772 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the seventh forward ratio and theeighth forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 768 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 764 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A ninth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 9th) in truth table 800 ofFIG. 8 is achieved by having first selective coupler 762, thirdselective coupler 766, and fifth selective coupler 770 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 764, fourth selective coupler768, and sixth selective coupler 772 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the eighth forward ratio and theninth forward ratio, second selective coupler 764 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 762 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A tenth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 10th) in truth table 800of FIG. 8 is achieved by having third selective coupler 766, fifthselective coupler 770, and sixth selective coupler 772 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 762, second selective coupler764, and fourth selective coupler 768 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the ninth forward ratio and thetenth forward ratio, first selective coupler 762 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and sixth selective coupler 772 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reversesequence of the corresponding upshift (as described above). Further,several power-on skip-shifts that are single-transition are possible(e.g. from 1^(st) up to 3^(rd), from 3^(rd) down to 1^(st), from 3^(rd)up to 5^(th), and from 5^(th) down to 3^(rd)).

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission900. Multi-speed transmission 900 includes an input member 902 and anoutput member 904. Each of input member 902 and output member 904 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 906. An exemplaryinput member 902 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 904 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 906 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 900. The housing may include severalcomponents coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 900 includes a plurality of planetary gearsets,illustratively a first planetary gearset 908, a second planetary gearset910, a third planetary gearset 912, and a fourth planetary gearset 914.In one embodiment, additional planetary gearsets may be included.Further, although first planetary gearset 908, second planetary gearset910, third planetary gearset 912, and fourth planetary gearset 914 areillustrated as simple planetary gearsets, it is contemplated thatcompound planetary gearsets may be included in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 900 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 9, with first planetary gearset 908 positionedbetween a first location or end 916 at which input member 902 entersstationary member 906 and second planetary gearset 910, second planetarygearset 910 is positioned between first planetary gearset 908 and thirdplanetary gearset 912, third planetary gearset 912 is positioned betweensecond planetary gearset 910 and fourth planetary gearset 914, andfourth planetary gearset 914 is positioned between third planetarygearset 912 and a second location or end 918 at which output member 904exits stationary member 906. In alternative embodiments, first planetarygearset 908, second planetary gearset 910, third planetary gearset 912,and fourth planetary gearset 914 are arranged in any order relative tolocation 916 and location 918. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9,each of first planetary gearset 908, second planetary gearset 910, thirdplanetary gearset 912, and fourth planetary gearset 914 are axiallyaligned. In one example, input member 902 and output member 904 are alsoaxially aligned with first planetary gearset 908, second planetarygearset 910, third planetary gearset 912, and fourth planetary gearset914. In alternative embodiments, one or more of input member 902, outputmember 904, first planetary gearset 908, second planetary gearset 910,third planetary gearset 912, and fourth planetary gearset 914 are offsetand not axially aligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 908 includes a sun gear 920, a planet carrier922 supporting a plurality of planet gears 924, and a ring gear 926.Second planetary gearset 910 includes a sun gear 930, a planet carrier932 supporting a plurality of planet gears 934, and a ring gear 936.Third planetary gearset 912 includes a sun gear 940, a planet carrier942 supporting a plurality of planet gears 944, and a ring gear 946.Fourth planetary gearset 914 includes a sun gear 950, a planet carrier952 supporting a plurality of planet gears 954, and a ring gear 956.

Multi-speed transmission 900 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 962, a secondselective coupler 964, a third selective coupler 966, a fourth selectivecoupler 968, a fifth selective coupler 970, and a sixth selectivecoupler 972. In the illustrated embodiment, first selective coupler 962and second selective coupler 964 are brakes and third selective coupler966, fourth selective coupler 968, fifth selective coupler 970, andsixth selective coupler 972 are clutches. The axial locations of theclutches and brakes relative to the plurality of planetary gearsets maybe altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 900 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member 902is fixedly coupled to ring gear 926 of first planetary gearset 908 andthird selective coupler 966. Output member 904 is fixedly coupled toplanet carrier 942 of third planetary gearset 912 and fourth selectivecoupler 968. Ring gear 936 of second planetary gearset 910, sun gear 940of third planetary gearset 912, sun gear 950 of fourth planetary gearset914, and first selective coupler 962 are fixedly coupled together. Sungear 920 of first planetary gearset 908 and sun gear 930 of secondplanetary gearset 910 are fixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 922of first planetary gearset 908, second selective coupler 964, and fifthselective coupler 970 are fixedly coupled together. Ring gear 946 ofthird planetary gearset 912 and sixth selective coupler 972 are fixedlycoupled together. Planet carrier 952 of fourth planetary gearset 914,third selective coupler 966, fifth selective coupler 970, and sixthselective coupler 972 are fixedly coupled together. Ring gear 956 offourth planetary gearset 914 and fourth selective coupler 968 arefixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 932 of second planetary gearset910 is fixedly coupled to at least one stationary member 906.

Multi-speed transmission 900 may be described as having nineinterconnectors. Input member 902 is a first interconnector that bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 900 and fixedlycouples ring gear 926 of first planetary gearset 908 to third selectivecoupler 966. Output member 904 is a second interconnector that bothprovides output torque from multi-speed transmission 900 and fixedlycouples planet carrier 942 of third planetary gearset 912 to fourthselective coupler 968. A third interconnector 980 fixedly couples ringgear 936 of second planetary gearset 910, sun gear 940 of thirdplanetary gearset 912, sun gear 950 of fourth planetary gearset 914, andfirst selective coupler 962 together. A fourth interconnector 982fixedly couples sun gear 920 of first planetary gearset 908 and sun gear930 of second planetary gearset 910 together. A fifth interconnector 984fixedly couples planet carrier 922 of first planetary gearset 908,second selective coupler 964, and fifth selective coupler 970 together.A sixth interconnector 986 fixedly couples ring gear 946 of thirdplanetary gearset 912 to sixth selective coupler 972. A seventhinterconnector 988 fixedly couples planet carrier 952 of fourthplanetary gearset 914, third selective coupler 966, fifth selectivecoupler 970, and sixth selective coupler 972 together. An eighthinterconnector 990 fixedly couples ring gear 956 of fourth planetarygearset 914 and fourth selective coupler 968 together. A ninthinterconnector 978 fixedly couples planet carrier 932 of secondplanetary gearset 910 to at least one stationary member 906.

Multi-speed transmission 900 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 962, when engaged, fixedlycouples ring gear 936 of second planetary gearset 910, sun gear 940 ofthird planetary gearset 912, and sun gear 950 of fourth planetarygearset 914 to stationary member 906. When first selective coupler 962is disengaged, ring gear 936 of second planetary gearset 910, sun gear940 of third planetary gearset 912, and sun gear 950 of fourth planetarygearset 914 may rotate relative to stationary member 906.

Second selective coupler 964, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 922 of first planetary gearset 908 to stationary member 906.When second selective coupler 964 is disengaged, planet carrier 922 offirst planetary gearset 908 may rotate relative to stationary member906.

Third selective coupler 966, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 926of first planetary gearset 908 to planet carrier 952 of fourth planetarygearset 914. When third selective coupler 966 is disengaged, ring gear926 of first planetary gearset 908 may rotate relative to planet carrier952 of fourth planetary gearset 914.

Fourth selective coupler 968, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear956 of fourth planetary gearset 914 to planet carrier 942 of thirdplanetary gearset 912. When fourth selective coupler 968 is disengaged,ring gear 956 of fourth planetary gearset 914 may rotate relative toplanet carrier 942 of third planetary gearset 912.

Fifth selective coupler 970, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 922 of first planetary gearset 908 to planet carrier 952 offourth planetary gearset 914. When fifth selective coupler 970 isdisengaged, planet carrier 922 of first planetary gearset 908 may rotaterelative to planet carrier 952 of fourth planetary gearset 914.

Sixth selective coupler 972, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear 946of third planetary gearset 912 to planet carrier 952 of fourth planetarygearset 914. When sixth selective coupler 972 is disengaged, ring gear946 of third planetary gearset 912 may rotate relative to planet carrier952 of fourth planetary gearset 914.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 962, secondselective coupler 964, third selective coupler 966, fourth selectivecoupler 968, fifth selective coupler 970, and sixth selective coupler972, additional components of multi-speed transmission 900 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 900 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 902 to outputmember 904 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and one reversegear or speed ratio. Referring to FIG. 10, an exemplary truth table 1000is shown that provides the state of each of first selective coupler 962,second selective coupler 964, third selective coupler 966, fourthselective coupler 968, fifth selective coupler 970, and sixth selectivecoupler 972 for ten different forward gear or speed ratios and onereverse gear or speed ratio. Each row corresponds to a giveninterconnection arrangement for transmission 900. The first columnprovides the gear range (reverse and 1^(st)-10^(th) forward gears). Thesecond column provides the gear ratio between the input member 902 andthe output member 904. The third column provides the gear step. The sixrightmost columns illustrate which ones of the selective couplers962-972 are engaged (“1” indicates engaged) and which ones of selectivecouplers 962-972 are disengaged (“(blank)” indicates disengaged). FIG.10 is only one example of any number of truth tables possible forachieving at least nine forward ratios and one reverse ratio.

In the example of FIG. 10, the illustrated reverse ratio (Rev) isachieved by having second selective coupler 964, fourth selectivecoupler 968, and fifth selective coupler 970 in an engaged configurationand first selective coupler 962, third selective coupler 966, and sixthselective coupler 972 in a disengaged configuration.

In one embodiment, to place multi-speed transmission 900 in neutral(Neu), all of first selective coupler 962, second selective coupler 964,third selective coupler 966, fourth selective coupler 968, fifthselective coupler 970, and sixth selective coupler 972 are in thedisengaged configuration. One or more of first selective coupler 962,second selective coupler 964, third selective coupler 966, fourthselective coupler 968, fifth selective coupler 970, and sixth selectivecoupler 972 may remain engaged in neutral (Neu) as long as thecombination of first selective coupler 962, second selective coupler964, third selective coupler 966, fourth selective coupler 968, fifthselective coupler 970, and sixth selective coupler 972 does not transmittorque from input member 902 to output member 904.

A first forward ratio (shown as 1st) in truth table 1000 of FIG. 10 isachieved by having second selective coupler 964, fifth selective coupler970, and sixth selective coupler 972 in an engaged configuration andfirst selective coupler 962, third selective coupler 966, and fourthselective coupler 968 in a disengaged configuration.

A second or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 2nd) in truth table 1000of FIG. 10 is achieved by having fourth selective coupler 968, fifthselective coupler 970, and sixth selective coupler 972 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 962, second selective coupler964, and third selective coupler 966 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the first forward ratio and thesecond forward ratio, second selective coupler 964 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 968 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A third or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 3rd) in truth table 1000of FIG. 10 is achieved by having first selective coupler 962, fifthselective coupler 970, and sixth selective coupler 972 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 964, third selective coupler966, and fourth selective coupler 968 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the second forward ratio and thethird forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 968 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 962 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fourth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 4th) in truth table 1000of FIG. 10 is achieved by having third selective coupler 966, fifthselective coupler 970, and sixth selective coupler 972 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 962, second selective coupler964, and fourth selective coupler 968 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the third forward ratio and thefourth forward ratio, first selective coupler 962 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and third selective coupler 966 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fifth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 5th) in truth table 1000of FIG. 10 is achieved by having first selective coupler 962, thirdselective coupler 966, and sixth selective coupler 972 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 964, fourth selective coupler968, and fifth selective coupler 970 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fourth forward ratio and thefifth forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 970 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 962 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A sixth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 6th) in truth table 1000of FIG. 10 is achieved by having second selective coupler 964, thirdselective coupler 966, and sixth selective coupler 972 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 962, fourth selective coupler968, and fifth selective coupler 970 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the fifth forward ratio and thesixth forward ratio, first selective coupler 962 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 964 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A seventh or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 7th) in truth table 1000of FIG. 10 is achieved by having third selective coupler 966, fourthselective coupler 968, and sixth selective coupler 972 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 962, second selective coupler964, and fifth selective coupler 970 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the sixth forward ratio and theseventh forward ratio, second selective coupler 964 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 968 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

An eighth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 8th) in truth table 1000of FIG. 10 is achieved by having second selective coupler 964, thirdselective coupler 966, and fourth selective coupler 968 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 962, fifth selective coupler970, and sixth selective coupler 972 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the seventh forward ratio and theeighth forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 972 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 964 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A ninth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 9th) in truth table 1000of FIG. 10 is achieved by having first selective coupler 962, thirdselective coupler 966, and fourth selective coupler 968 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 964, fifth selective coupler970, and sixth selective coupler 972 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the eighth forward ratio and theninth forward ratio, second selective coupler 964 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 962 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A tenth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 10th) in truth table 1000of FIG. 10 is achieved by having third selective coupler 966, fourthselective coupler 968, and fifth selective coupler 970 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 962, second selective coupler964, and sixth selective coupler 972 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the ninth forward ratio and thetenth forward ratio, first selective coupler 962 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fifth selective coupler 970 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reversesequence of the corresponding upshift (as described above). Further,several power-on skip-shifts that are single-transition are possible(e.g. from 1^(st) up to 3^(rd), from 3^(rd) down to 1^(st), from 3^(rd)up to 5^(th), and from 5^(th) down to 3^(rd)).

FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic representation of a multi-speed transmission1100. Multi-speed transmission 1100 includes an input member 1102 and anoutput member 1104. Each of input member 1102 and output member 1104 isrotatable relative to at least one stationary member 1106. An exemplaryinput member 1102 is an input shaft or other suitable rotatablecomponent. An exemplary output member 1104 is an output shaft or othersuitable rotatable component. An exemplary stationary member 1106 is ahousing of multi-speed transmission 1100. The housing may includeseveral components coupled together.

Multi-speed transmission 1100 includes a plurality of planetarygearsets, illustratively a first planetary gearset 1108, a secondplanetary gearset 1110, a third planetary gearset 1112, and a fourthplanetary gearset 1114. In one embodiment, additional planetary gearsetsmay be included. Further, although first planetary gearset 1108, secondplanetary gearset 1110, third planetary gearset 1112, and fourthplanetary gearset 1114 are illustrated as simple planetary gearsets, itis contemplated that compound planetary gearsets may be included in someembodiments.

In one embodiment, multi-speed transmission 1100 is arranged asillustrated in FIG. 11, with first planetary gearset 1108 positionedbetween a first location or end 1116 at which input member 1102 entersstationary member 1106 and second planetary gearset 1110, secondplanetary gearset 1110 is positioned between first planetary gearset1108 and third planetary gearset 1112, third planetary gearset 1112 ispositioned between second planetary gearset 1110 and fourth planetarygearset 1114, and fourth planetary gearset 1114 is positioned betweenthird planetary gearset 1112 and a second location or end 1118 at whichoutput member 1104 exits stationary member 1106. In alternativeembodiments, first planetary gearset 1108, second planetary gearset1110, third planetary gearset 1112, and fourth planetary gearset 1114are arranged in any order relative to location 1116 and location 1118.In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 11, each of first planetarygearset 1108, second planetary gearset 1110, third planetary gearset1112, and fourth planetary gearset 1114 are axially aligned. In oneexample, input member 1102 and output member 1104 are also axiallyaligned with first planetary gearset 1108, second planetary gearset1110, third planetary gearset 1112, and fourth planetary gearset 1114.In alternative embodiments, one or more of input member 1102, outputmember 1104, first planetary gearset 1108, second planetary gearset1110, third planetary gearset 1112, and fourth planetary gearset 1114are offset and not axially aligned with the remainder.

First planetary gearset 1108 includes a sun gear 1120, a planet carrier1122 supporting a plurality of planet gears 1124, and a ring gear 1126.Second planetary gearset 1110 includes a sun gear 1130, a planet carrier1132 supporting a plurality of planet gears 1134, and a ring gear 1136.Third planetary gearset 1112 includes a sun gear 1140, a planet carrier1142 supporting a plurality of planet gears 1144, and a ring gear 1146.Fourth planetary gearset 1114 includes a sun gear 1150, a planet carrier1152 supporting a plurality of planet gears 1154, and a ring gear 1156.

Multi-speed transmission 1100 further includes a plurality of selectivecouplers, illustratively a first selective coupler 1162, a secondselective coupler 1164, a third selective coupler 1166, a fourthselective coupler 1168, a fifth selective coupler 1170, and a sixthselective coupler 1172. In the illustrated embodiment, first selectivecoupler 1162 and second selective coupler 1164 are brakes and thirdselective coupler 1166, fourth selective coupler 1168, fifth selectivecoupler 1170, and sixth selective coupler 1172 are clutches. The axiallocations of the clutches and brakes relative to the plurality ofplanetary gearsets may be altered from the illustrated axial locations.

Multi-speed transmission 1100 includes several components that areillustratively shown as being fixedly coupled together. Input member1102 is fixedly coupled to ring gear 1126 of first planetary gearset1108 and third selective coupler 1166. Output member 1104 is fixedlycoupled to planet carrier 1142 of third planetary gearset 1112 andfourth selective coupler 1168. Sun gear 1120 of first planetary gearset1108, sun gear 1130 of second planetary gearset 1110, and firstselective coupler 1162 are fixedly coupled together. Ring gear 1136 ofsecond planetary gearset 1110, sun gear 1150 of fourth planetary gearset1114, and fifth selective coupler 1170 are fixedly coupled together. Sungear 1140 of third planetary gearset 1112 is fixedly coupled to ringgear 1156 of fourth planetary gearset 1114. Planet carrier 1122 of firstplanetary gearset 1108, second selective coupler 1164, and sixthselective coupler 1172 are fixedly coupled together. Ring gear 1146 ofthird planetary gearset 1112, third selective coupler 1166, and sixthselective coupler 1172 are fixedly coupled together. Planet carrier 1152of fourth planetary gearset 1114, fourth selective coupler 1168, andfifth selective coupler 1170 are fixedly coupled together. Planetcarrier 1132 of second planetary gearset 1110 is fixedly coupled to atleast one stationary member 1106.

When fifth selective coupler 1170 is engaged, planet carrier 1152 offourth planetary gearset 1114 and sun gear 1150 of fourth planetarygearset 1114 are locked together. Hence, sun gear 1150, planet carrier1152, and ring gear 1156 of fourth planetary gearset 1114 all rotatetogether as a single unit. The same effect may be realized by couplingany two of sun gear 1150, planet carrier 1152, and ring gear 1156together. In one example, fifth selective coupler 1170 is fixedlycoupled to ring gear 1156 of fourth planetary gearset 1114 and sun gear1150 of fourth planetary gearset 1114. In this example, when fifthselective coupler 1170 is engaged, ring gear 1156 of fourth planetarygearset 1114 and sun gear 1150 of fourth planetary gearset 1114 arelocked together resulting in all of sun gear 1150, planet carrier 1152,and ring gear 1156 of fourth planetary gearset 1114 rotating together asa single unit. In another example, fifth selective coupler 1170 isfixedly coupled to planet carrier 1152 of fourth planetary gearset 1114and ring gear 1146 of fourth planetary gearset 1114. In this example,when fifth selective coupler 1170 is engaged, planet carrier 1152 offourth planetary gearset 1114 and ring gear 1146 of fourth planetarygearset 1114 are locked together resulting in all of sun gear 1150,planet carrier 1152, and ring gear 1156 of fourth planetary gearset 1114rotating together as a single unit.

Multi-speed transmission 1100 may be described as having nineinterconnectors. Input member 1102 is a first interconnector that bothprovides input torque to multi-speed transmission 1100 and fixedlycouples ring gear 1126 of first planetary gearset 1108 to thirdselective coupler 1166. Output member 1104 is a second interconnectorthat both provides output torque from multi-speed transmission 1100 andfixedly couples planet carrier 1142 of third planetary gearset 1112 tofourth selective coupler 1168. A third interconnector 1180 fixedlycouples sun gear 1120 of first planetary gearset 1108, sun gear 1130 ofsecond planetary gearset 1110, and first selective coupler 1162together. A fourth interconnector 1182 fixedly couples ring gear 1136 ofsecond planetary gearset 1110, sun gear 1150 of fourth planetary gearset1114, and fifth selective coupler 1170 together. A fifth interconnector1184 fixedly couples sun gear 1140 of third planetary gearset 1112 andring gear 1156 of fourth planetary gearset 1114 together. A sixthinterconnector 1186 fixedly couples planet carrier 1122 of firstplanetary gearset 1108, second selective coupler 1164, and sixthselective coupler 1172 together. A seventh interconnector 1188 fixedlycouples ring gear 1146 of third planetary gearset 1112, third selectivecoupler 1166, and sixth selective coupler 1172 together. An eighthinterconnector 1190 fixedly couples planet carrier 1152 of fourthplanetary gearset 1114, fourth selective coupler 1168, and fifthselective coupler 1170 together. A ninth interconnector 1178 fixedlycouples planet carrier 1132 of second planetary gearset 1110 to at leastone stationary member 1106.

Multi-speed transmission 1100 further includes several components thatare illustratively shown as being selectively coupled together throughselective couplers. First selective coupler 1162, when engaged, fixedlycouples sun gear 1120 of first planetary gearset 1108 and sun gear 1130of second planetary gearset 1110 to stationary member 1106. When firstselective coupler 1162 is disengaged, sun gear 1120 of first planetarygearset 1108 and sun gear 1130 of second planetary gearset 1110 mayrotate relative to stationary member 1106.

Second selective coupler 1164, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 1122 of first planetary gearset 1108 to stationary member 1106.When second selective coupler 1164 is disengaged, planet carrier 1122 offirst planetary gearset 1108 may rotate relative to stationary member1106.

Third selective coupler 1166, when engaged, fixedly couples ring gear1126 of first planetary gearset 1108 to ring gear 1146 of thirdplanetary gearset 1112. When third selective coupler 1166 is disengaged,ring gear 1126 of first planetary gearset 1108 may rotate relative toring gear 1146 of third planetary gearset 1112.

Fourth selective coupler 1168, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 1142 of third planetary gearset 1112 to planet carrier 1152 offourth planetary gearset 1114. When fourth selective coupler 1168 isdisengaged, planet carrier 1142 of third planetary gearset 1112 mayrotate relative to planet carrier 1152 of fourth planetary gearset 1114.

Fifth selective coupler 1170, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 1152 of fourth planetary gearset 1114 to ring gear 1136 ofsecond planetary gearset 1110 and sun gear 1150 of fourth planetarygearset 1114. When fifth selective coupler 1170 is disengaged, planetcarrier 1152 of fourth planetary gearset 1114 may rotate relative toring gear 1136 of second planetary gearset 1110 and sun gear 1150 offourth planetary gearset 1114.

Sixth selective coupler 1172, when engaged, fixedly couples planetcarrier 1122 of first planetary gearset 1108 to ring gear 1146 of thirdplanetary gearset 1112. When sixth selective coupler 1172 is disengaged,planet carrier 1122 of first planetary gearset 1108 may rotate relativeto ring gear 1146 of third planetary gearset 1112.

By engaging various combinations of first selective coupler 1162, secondselective coupler 1164, third selective coupler 1166, fourth selectivecoupler 1168, fifth selective coupler 1170, and sixth selective coupler1172, additional components of multi-speed transmission 1100 may befixedly coupled together.

The plurality of planetary gearsets and the plurality of selectivecouplers of multi-speed transmission 1100 may be interconnected invarious arrangements to provide torque from input member 1102 to outputmember 1104 in at least nine forward gear or speed ratios and onereverse gear or speed ratio. Referring to FIG. 12, an exemplary truthtable 1200 is shown that provides the state of each of first selectivecoupler 1162, second selective coupler 1164, third selective coupler1166, fourth selective coupler 1168, fifth selective coupler 1170, andsixth selective coupler 1172 for ten different forward gear or speedratios and one reverse gear or speed ratio. Each row corresponds to agiven interconnection arrangement for transmission 1100. The firstcolumn provides the gear range (reverse and 1^(st)-10^(th) forwardgears). The second column provides the gear ratio between the inputmember 1102 and the output member 1104. The third column provides thegear step. The six rightmost columns illustrate which ones of theselective couplers 1162-1172 are engaged (“1” indicates engaged) andwhich ones of selective couplers 1162-1172 are disengaged (“(blank)”indicates disengaged). FIG. 12 is only one example of any number oftruth tables possible for achieving at least nine forward ratios and onereverse ratio.

In the example of FIG. 12, the illustrated reverse ratio (Rev) isachieved by having second selective coupler 1164, fourth selectivecoupler 1168, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 1162, third selective coupler1166, and fifth selective coupler 1170 in a disengaged configuration.

In one embodiment, to place multi-speed transmission 1100 in neutral(Neu), all of first selective coupler 1162, second selective coupler1164, third selective coupler 1166, fourth selective coupler 1168, fifthselective coupler 1170, and sixth selective coupler 1172 are in thedisengaged configuration. One or more of first selective coupler 1162,second selective coupler 1164, third selective coupler 1166, fourthselective coupler 1168, fifth selective coupler 1170, and sixthselective coupler 1172 may remain engaged in neutral (Neu) as long asthe combination of first selective coupler 1162, second selectivecoupler 1164, third selective coupler 1166, fourth selective coupler1168, fifth selective coupler 1170, and sixth selective coupler 1172does not transmit torque from input member 1102 to output member 1104.

A first forward ratio (shown as 1st) in truth table 1200 of FIG. 12 isachieved by having second selective coupler 1164, fifth selectivecoupler 1170, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 1162, third selective coupler1166, and fourth selective coupler 1168 in a disengaged configuration.

A second or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 2nd) in truth table 1200of FIG. 12 is achieved by having fourth selective coupler 1168, fifthselective coupler 1170, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 1162, second selective coupler1164, and third selective coupler 1166 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the first forward ratio and thesecond forward ratio, second selective coupler 1164 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 1168 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A third or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 3rd) in truth table 1200of FIG. 12 is achieved by having first selective coupler 1162, fifthselective coupler 1170, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 1164, third selective coupler1166, and fourth selective coupler 1168 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the second forward ratio and thethird forward ratio, fourth selective coupler 1168 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 1162 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fourth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 4th) in truth table 1200of FIG. 12 is achieved by having third selective coupler 1166, fifthselective coupler 1170, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 1162, second selective coupler1164, and fourth selective coupler 1168 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the third forward ratio and thefourth forward ratio, first selective coupler 1162 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and third selective coupler 1166 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A fifth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 5th) in truth table 1200of FIG. 12 is achieved by having first selective coupler 1162, thirdselective coupler 1166, and fifth selective coupler 1170 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 1164, fourth selectivecoupler 1168, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in a disengagedconfiguration. Therefore, when transitioning between the fourth forwardratio and the fifth forward ratio, sixth selective coupler 1172 isplaced in the disengaged configuration and first selective coupler 1162is placed in the engaged configuration.

A sixth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 6th) in truth table 1200of FIG. 12 is achieved by having second selective coupler 1164, andthird selective coupler 1166, and fifth selective coupler 1170 in anengaged configuration and first selective coupler 1162, fourth selectivecoupler 1168, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in a disengagedconfiguration. Therefore, when transitioning between the fifth forwardratio and the sixth forward ratio, first selective coupler 1162 isplaced in the disengaged configuration and second selective coupler 1164is placed in the engaged configuration.

A seventh or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 7th) in truth table 1200of FIG. 12 is achieved by having third selective coupler 1166, fourthselective coupler 1168, and fifth selective coupler 1170 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 1162, second selective coupler1164, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the sixth forward ratio and theseventh forward ratio, second selective coupler 1164 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and fourth selective coupler 1168 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

An eighth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 8th) in truth table 1200of FIG. 12 is achieved by having second selective coupler 1164, thirdselective coupler 1166, and fourth selective coupler 1168 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 1162, fifth selective coupler1170, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the seventh forward ratio and theeighth forward ratio, fifth selective coupler 1170 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and second selective coupler 1164 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A ninth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 9th) in truth table 1200of FIG. 12 is achieved by having first selective coupler 1162, thirdselective coupler 1166, and fourth selective coupler 1168 in an engagedconfiguration and second selective coupler 1164, fifth selective coupler1170, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the eighth forward ratio and theninth forward ratio, second selective coupler 1164 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and first selective coupler 1162 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

A tenth or subsequent forward ratio (shown as 10th) in truth table 1200of FIG. 12 is achieved by having third selective coupler 1166, fourthselective coupler 1168, and sixth selective coupler 1172 in an engagedconfiguration and first selective coupler 1162, second selective coupler1164, and fifth selective coupler 1170 in a disengaged configuration.Therefore, when transitioning between the ninth forward ratio and thetenth forward ratio, first selective coupler 1162 is placed in thedisengaged configuration and sixth selective coupler 1172 is placed inthe engaged configuration.

The present disclosure contemplates that downshifts follow the reversesequence of the corresponding upshift (as described above). Further,several power-on skip-shifts that are single-transition are possible(e.g. from 1^(st) up to 3^(rd), from 3^(rd) down to 1^(st), from 3^(rd)up to 5^(th), and from 5^(th) down to 3^(rd)).

In the illustrated embodiments, various combinations of four of theavailable selective couplers are engaged for each of the illustratedforward speed ratios and reverse speed ratios. Additional forward speedratios and reverse speed ratios are possible based on other combinationsof engaged selective couplers. Although in the illustrated embodiments,each forward speed ratio and reverse speed ratio has four of theavailable selective couplers engaged, it is contemplated that less thanfour and more than four selective couplers may be engaged at the sametime.

While this invention has been described as having exemplary designs, thepresent invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover anyvariations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its generalprinciples. Further, this application is intended to cover suchdepartures from the present disclosure as come within known or customarypractice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fallwithin the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A transmission comprising: at least onestationary member; an input member rotatable relative to the at leastone stationary member; a plurality of planetary gearsets operativelycoupled to the input member, each of the plurality of planetary gearsetsincluding a first gearset component, a second gearset component, and athird gearset component, the plurality of planetary gearsets including afirst planetary gearset, a second planetary gearset, a third planetarygearset, and a fourth planetary gearset, wherein the second gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset is fixedly coupled to the atleast one stationary member; an output member operatively coupled to theinput member through the plurality of planetary gearsets and rotatablerelative to the at least one stationary member, the output member isfixedly coupled to the third gearset component of the fourth planetarygearset; a first interconnector which fixedly couples the third gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset, the second gearset componentof the third planetary gearset, and the second gearset component of thefourth planetary gearset together; a second interconnector which fixedlycouples the second gearset component of the first planetary gearset tothe first gearset component of the third planetary gearset; and aplurality of selective couplers, wherein the plurality of selectivecouplers includes: a first selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the second gearset component of the first planetarygearset and the first gearset component of the third planetary gearsetto the at least one stationary member; a second selective coupler which,when engaged, fixedly couples the first gearset component of the firstplanetary gearset to the at least one stationary member; a thirdselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the third gearsetcomponent of the first planetary gearset to the third gearset componentof the second planetary gearset, the second gearset component of thethird planetary gearset, and the second gearset component of the fourthplanetary gearset; a fourth selective coupler which, when engaged,fixedly couples the second gearset component of the first planetarygearset and the first gearset component of the third planetary gearsetto the first gearset component of the fourth planetary gearset; a fifthselective coupler which, when engaged, fixedly couples the first gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset to the first gearset componentof the first planetary gearset; and a sixth selective coupler which,when engaged, fixedly couples the third gearset component of the thirdplanetary gearset to the first gearset component of the fourth planetarygearset.
 2. The transmission of claim 1, wherein the input member isfixedly coupled to the third gearset component of the first planetarygearset.
 3. The transmission of claim 1, wherein each of the firstplanetary gearset, the second planetary gearset, the third planetarygearset, and the fourth planetary gearset is a simple planetary gearset.4. The transmission of claim 3, wherein the first gearset component ofthe first planetary gearset is a first sun gear, the first gearsetcomponent of the second planetary gearset is a second sun gear, thefirst gearset component of the third planetary gearset is a third sungear, the first gearset component of the fourth planetary gearset is afourth sun gear, the second gearset component of the first planetarygearset is a first planet carrier, the second gearset component of thesecond planetary gearset is a second planet carrier, the second gearsetcomponent of the third planetary gearset is a third planet carrier, thesecond gearset component of the fourth planetary gearset is a fourthplanet carrier, the third gearset component of the first planetarygearset is a first ring gear, the third gearset component of the secondplanetary gearset is a second ring gear, the third gearset component ofthe third planetary gearset is a third ring gear, and the third gearsetcomponent of the fourth planetary gearset is a fourth ring gear.
 5. Thetransmission of claim 4, wherein the at least one stationary memberincludes a housing, the housing having a first end and a second end,wherein the input member is accessible proximate the first end of thehousing; the output member is accessible proximate the second end of thehousing; the first planetary gearset is positioned between the first endof the housing and the second planetary gearset; the second planetarygearset is positioned between the first planetary gearset and the thirdplanetary gearset; the third planetary gearset is positioned between thesecond planetary gearset and the fourth planetary gearset; and thefourth planetary gearset is positioned between the third planetarygearset and the second end of the housing.